Vol. XVI
No. 7
AUGUST 2004
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by Corrado De Robertis
It is a welcomed development that of the archdiocese of Manila to begin a project defining the Church of the poor (see Filipino Focus). The initiative is a powerful reminder and a stimulus to all churches to be more in line with the Gospel’s preferential option for the needy. It is also a moral slap in the face of a government that wastes most of its resources on graft and corruption, too easily leaving the country captive in the hands of a bunch of powerful families who too often whish to affect government policies and control all basics necessities to their own advantage thereby sucking out hope form people’s hearts. Unfortunately this is a cancer affecting many developing countries encouraged by a culture of selfishness that leaves only crumbs for the majority. Once again the Church makes a powerful and prophetic statement not only because is showing concern for the less advantaged, a legitimizing duty of any government, but also because of the basis and character of the initiative, with an educational component, which is not just about money collection (a rather symbolic sum) or mere material assistance but is moved by noble motivations inspired by a “theology of the crumbs”, the call to be people who know how to share gratuitously and live faith concretely in the daily life.
The United Nations proclaimed 2004 the International Year of Rice in recognition of its economic, social, political and cultural importance as the daily staple of half of humanity (see this month WM special ). Millions of people can be given hope and empowered by policies that are aimed at improving at least such basics rights of citizens as food security, education and a future to look forward to. Once again attention and concern for the underprivileged are called for as essential to everyone’s good.
It is a matter of fact that the wellbeing and security of a country depends on to its ability to feed itself and share fairly its resources, an equation that finds its strength and purpose in the spiritual sphere. The well being of a Christian community depends on its ability to feed itself on love and to share, in this the Eucharistic year convoked by Pope John Paul (see WM Report) is an occasion to meditate and appreciate the essential and perennial value of the Eucharistic meal as the energizing staple of the believer and center of sharing. This all is an invitation to each one to be open and attentive, courageous and daring, loving and generous in building the future that God desires for us.<WM
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Fr Corrado De Robertis
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